Demonstration of a Four-Beam Integrated Travelling Wave Tube in W-Band

Abstract

This letter presents an investigation into a W-band four-beam planar-integrated traveling wave tube (TWT). Building on the design concept of the planar integrated TWT, this research focuses on the high-efficiency circuit that utilizes a bending FWG, verified through the fabrication of a tube employing a conventional PPM system. Further research on the four-beam TWT utilizing the proposed planar integrated periodic permanent magnet (PIPPM) led to its development, assembly, and testing. Experiment results achieved over 85% transmission efficiency through a 120 mm long tunnel, validating this beam optical system configuration. The device attained a maximum saturated output power of 10 W and a saturated gain of 23 dB, with a bandwidth of 6 GHz per channel at an operating voltage of 12.6 kV. The four-beam TWT demonstrates consistent electrical performance and offers a novel solution for short-wavelength millimeter-wave TWT active phased arrays applications.